Maruti Suzuki Victoris Becomes ICOTY 2026 Winner, Beats Kylaq and XEV 9e

Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been named the winner of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 awards. Announced on December 18, 2025, the Victoris stood out among many great cars, taking the top spot ahead of the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XEV 9e, which took second and third place, respectively.

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Who Were the Finalists for ICOTY 2026?

The ICOTY 2026 awards had tough competition with several great cars. The cars that made it to the final list included:

- Maruti Suzuki Victoris
- Skoda Kylaq
- Mahindra XEV 9e
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- Kia Carens Clavis EV
- Tata Harrier EV
- Kia Syros
- Hyundai Venue

These cars were chosen after being judged by a panel of experts, who reviewed them for performance, safety, and overall value.

Mahindra XEV 9e - Green Car of the Year

Mahindra XEV 9e won the Green Car of the Year award at ICOTY 2026. This fully electric SUV impressed the judges with its range, technology, and eco-friendly features. It was a great choice among other electric cars, including the BMW iX1 LWB, Tata Harrier EV, and Hyundai Creta Electric.

Volkswagen Golf GTI - Premium Car of the Year

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI took home the Premium Car of the Year award. The sporty hatchback stood out for its combination of fun driving experience and practicality. It beat cars like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class to win this top honour in the premium car category.

How ICOTY Winners Are Chosen

The ICOTY awards are one of the most respected in India. The winners are selected through a fair and thorough process. A panel of automotive experts from across India evaluates the cars based on important factors such as performance, safety, comfort, design, and value for money.

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